'86 Cutlass Ciera Quits At Stops.

86 Cutlass Ciera. 92,000 miles. Serviced regularly. Car is in San Jose, CA, 300 miles from me, but I'm trying to help these folks out.


Twice now it's died at stop lights. Cranks good but no start. Towed home and started right up next day. Took it to their mechanic who changed plugs and the usual stuff. No codes stored in history. Drove it home. 2 days later went to Home Depot (freeway and surface streets). Drove home and the last stop light before their house it died again. After 5-6 minutes and several attempts it restarted. Drove it into the garage where it sits now. Mechanic says he doesn't want to change anything out until it dies for good and he knows what's wrong.

If you guys have any good ideas, I'd sure like to hear them so I can pass them along (or even make the 300 mile trip down there:frown: )

Thanks............Steve

What engine?

What engine?

Sorry Max: I'm always wondering the same thing over on the Chevy side and here I am an offender. 2.5 and I also forgot to mention that the mechanic checked the fuel pump and pressure. They don't know what the press reading was. Car runs great except for this problem that just started..........Steve

Steve, when this happens try and see if you have spark, I'd suspect the crank sensor here, but a scanner would be great if no cranking rpms, suspect the cps first, ign module second. If I remember correctly the ign module sits right on the cps, back of the block.

Thanks Max. I'll pass this along to the San Jose folks.

Not sure if you have resolved yet, but here is my advice, and I agree with Maxwedge.. My dad's 89 Olds (2.5) had these problems.Should be same as yours, but not 100% sure. Replaced both the crank sensor and the ignition module, fixed fine. The module can ge tested at most parts places such as NAPA or Advance. The crank sensor is underneath the module, so you have to remove the whole thing anyway so might as well replace it. his was cracked and looked bad, and was cheap to replace. Kind of a pain to get to, had to lift front of car slightly, block up motor and, after unhooking the front motor mount we lowered the car so the engine tilted forward a bit. That helped a bunch. After unplugging the module wiring remove the three bolts holding the module assy, (do not try to take coils off first) then carefully pull the assy out, and be patient as the crank sensor is long and has to clear the hole. Then take the coils off, the crank sensor, and then take the module to be tested.

jsgold: Thanks for the update. The car is in San Jose (300 miles from me). I'll pass this along to them. Lately it's been just sitting in their garage 'cause they're just not sure if they should drive it.

I used to be indecisive, now I am not so sure. Great signature man...........Steve